Question

Two cars are driving on the same road, in the same

direction. They start driving from the same place and are
traveling at a constant speed. The second car started
driving 1.5 hours after the first car started driving. If the
second car drives 60 miles per hour and the first drives 40
miles per hour, how many miles will each car have
traveled when the second car catches up to the first?

Answer 1

180 miles

Explanation:

distance = rate x time

t = time

1st car:

distance = 40t

2nd car:

distance = 60(t - 1,5)

When the car catch up to each other the distances will be the same, so set the equation equal to each other. Calculate the time and then put the time back into either equation and solve for the distance.

40t = 60(t-1.5) Distribute the 60

40t = 60t -(60)1.5

40t = 60t - 90 Subtract 60t from both sides of the equation

-20t = -90 Divide both sides by -20

t = 4.5

Now that we know the time, substitue that back into either equaiton and solve for the time

distance = 40 (4.5)

180 miles